VUSD Student Nutrition is undergoing an exciting process. We were lucky enough to be chosen to be part of a pilot program for Eat REAL, a nonprofit organization whose focus is on supporting school leaders to provide students with more nutritious and environmentally responsible food choices. Eat REAL is evaluating VUSD as a whole based on several factors including, but not limited to, the offering of nutrition or culinary education, the variety in menu options, and the process of waste management. Once the evaluation is complete, VUSD will or will not be receiving a certification of Green, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
We believe that this is an amazing opportunity to grow in the area of school food and nutrition. Whether or not we receive a certification, we will learn where improvement is needed. The great thing about Eat REAL is that even after the initial evaluation is completed, the process is not over. They will provide a road map for advancement and monitor our progress. We are always striving to get better as a department, and Eat REAL is helping us do exactly that.
Serving nutritious food to students is of the utmost importance in setting them up for success, and if we can simultaneously benefit the environment, we can contribute to a more sustainable food system. This partnership with Eat REAL is giving us the tools and support to further work towards this philosophy.